Skincare Routine for Beginners
When we hear the word skincare, dry skin and skin problems usually pop up in our heads. But it goes deeper than the surface. There was a time when having a skincare routine meant burning holes in your pocket to buy a bulk of beauty products and extensive procedures, but that time is long gone. Today's skincare world has easier, pocket-friendly ways to nourish your skin.
Before getting a skincare routine, it is essential to determine your skin type: oily, dry, or combination. You also have to take into account any skin sensitivities. This can help us choose ingredients that efficiently improve your skin's health. But what products do you really need to keep your skin healthy? Below is a list of products that belong in your skincare cabinet and is pretty much a simple routine.
A cleanser is used to wash your face. Cleansers are for use on the face only. The skin on the face is more sensitive than the rest of the body. So, using soap is never recommended! Use the cleanser to wash off your face of impurities and dirt. Do not scrub too hard and use tepid water. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture. Finding the right cleanser could be a long process for some. Use one that caters to your skin's needs. Wash your face with a cleanser after you wake up in the mornings and before you hit the bed. Additionally, use the face cleanser to remove the excess makeup from the skin and after a sweaty workout to avoid acne.
Serums are additional but effective. Composed of beneficial ingredients like antioxidants and retinol, they keep the skin healthier and soothe skin redness and texture. They can be applied after washing your face and before applying moisturizer.
We cannot stress enough the importance of a moisturizer. Like cleansers, they are used regularly and after you wash your face. Again, like cleansers, it may be a process before you find a moisturizer that hydrates your skin and suits its needs. There is a wide range of moisturizers in the market catering to different skin types and keeping them healthy, plump, and smooth. A tip for using a moisturizer: apply it when the skin is a little damp to lock in the moisture.
Sunscreen
A very important product that is often missed in our skincare routines is SPF. It is extremely important to put on sunscreen before your step out in the sun, irrespective of the weather. Apply the product to your exposed skin generously to protect itself from the sun's UVA and UVB rays since sun exposure is the leading cause of skin damage. Prolonged exposure could be detrimental to skin health. Excess skin exposure can cause uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
This is one step that you don't need to adopt every single day- once or twice a week is enough. Exfoliation is done after washing your face, but before applying a serum or moisturizer. It helps remove dead skin cells effectively, thereby clearing the pores and giving a soft texture.
Helpful Pointers
- Aside from your skin type, your routine can also be determined by the following factors:
- weather
- genetic
- age
- lifestyle
- medical issues, if any
- Generally, the application order of skincare goes like this: cleanser, exfoliant, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Not all serums mix. If you are using multiple serums, it is important to do thorough research before mixing products on your skin.
In the process of getting healthy, glowing skin, keep reminding yourself that it is a process and not a one-time event. Investing in your skin has long-term benefits, and you should give it at least six weeks before you start seeing any results.
